April 6, 2026

Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco

Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco
Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco
In Wheel Time Podcast
Save The V8 And Pass The Breakfast Taco
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Amazon Music podcast player badge
iHeartRadio podcast player badge
TuneIn podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconAmazon Music podcast player iconiHeartRadio podcast player iconTuneIn podcast player icon

New car shopping feels like it should be getting easier, yet the spring market is doing the opposite. From our live remote at the Tailpipes and Tacos Easter edition at Loopy Tortilla in Katy, we break down why U.S. auto sales are sputtering as the season changes and why volatility may be back on the menu.

We connect the dots on the big forces squeezing buyers right now: vehicle affordability, a jump in gasoline prices, soft job growth, and consumer confidence that just is not there. We also talk about how the loss of a federal EV tax credit can ripple through electric vehicle demand, and we debate the kind of leadership decisions that leave enthusiasts shaking their heads, including the controversy around dropping V8 models even as brands try to pivot.

Then we switch gears into pure summer planning with a driver-focused national parks road trip guide. We cover standout roads like Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, Yosemite’s Tioga Pass, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, plus practical driving tips for altitude, braking on long descents, and picking the right vehicle whether you are bringing the whole family or just chasing a great stretch of pavement.

We also hit a packed events calendar and close with a hard look at dealership pricing transparency, including an FTC case tied to hidden add-ons and mandatory fees. If you care about car buying, car culture, and smarter road trips, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more drivers can find the show.

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants
Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas

Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

---- -----
Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/

https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime

https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime

For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at

info@inwheeltime.com






InWheelTime.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk.com available on iHeartRadio, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and most podcast providers.

00:05 - Live From Tailpipes And Tacos

01:02 - Spring Sales Slump And Causes

04:54 - Stellantis Surge And V8 Backlash

08:00 - National Park Roads For Drivers

12:30 - Break And Cruise In Details

15:24 - Easter Bunny And Show Trophy

16:58 - Texas Cruise In Event Picks

20:28 - China Dealer Losses And Price War

22:32 - FTC Targets Hidden Dealer Add Ons

26:26 - Sponsor Break For Car Care

27:55 - Live Show Invite And Sign Off

WEBVTT

00:00:05.839 --> 00:00:16.719
It is the award-winning Edwill Time Car Talk Show today coming to you from the Easter edition of Tailpipes and Tacos The Cruise Inn at the Lupi Tortilla Tex Mex in Katy, Texas.

00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:25.199
Just ahead, we're going to have uh recalls and uh maybe what the new car is sold for.

00:00:25.839 --> 00:00:27.440
Well, new car to us.

00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:29.920
It's off a hemming, so it's probably old.

00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:38.640
Anyway, we've got all of that coming up, and uh we've got more fun things to talk about as well, including our story of the week.

00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:40.320
Thanks for being with us today.

00:00:40.479 --> 00:00:46.240
Uh we're coming to you from the Lupi Trotea in Katy, Texas, along with Mike out of this world, Mars.

00:00:46.320 --> 00:00:49.359
We always need more Jeb Zekin, our chief engineer, David Ainsley.

00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:50.719
My name is Don Armstrong.

00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:52.640
So glad that you could join us today.

00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:52.960
Mr.

00:00:53.119 --> 00:00:57.280
Mars, we're gonna do your national parks thing here in just a second, if you want to get ready for that.

00:00:57.439 --> 00:01:02.479
But in the meantime and in between time, I thought that we would do our story of the week here.

00:01:02.799 --> 00:01:05.519
And um, it's this U.S.

00:01:05.680 --> 00:01:19.359
car market sputtering into the spring selling system, a s season, and bracing for more volatility, signaling the potential for a new near repeat of the shocks, ebbs, and flows of 2025.

00:01:19.519 --> 00:01:19.840
U.S.

00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:35.439
sales by numerous automakers declined in the first quarter as a confluence of factors, vehicle affordability, huge, surge in gasoline prices, big, lackluster job growth, and waning consumer confidence pushed the market lower.

00:01:35.599 --> 00:01:44.719
On top of that, the industry didn't have the added tailwind of looming tariffs to motivate price-conscious consumers, as dealerships experienced a year ago.

00:01:44.959 --> 00:01:53.120
And the loss of a sizable federal tax credit credit toward electric vehicles continues to be a drag on volume as well.

00:01:53.680 --> 00:02:09.759
First quarter deliveries fell at most of the biggest automakers, GM, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, but it was the sixth consecutive quarter of growth for Honda Kia and the third straight for Stellantis at Toyota.

00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:14.000
Lexus posted its first quarterly decline in more than three years.

00:02:17.599 --> 00:02:24.960
In addition to having the industry's leanest inventory and high churn rates, Toyota is juggling the launch of a redesigned RAV 4.

00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:26.000
Have you seen it?

00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:37.919
What?

00:02:38.240 --> 00:02:44.240
Sales have fallen for two consecutive quarters at GM, but executives say the automaker can weather more headwinds.

00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:45.120
Yeah.

00:02:45.439 --> 00:02:49.039
Because Mary Barrow is still making what a bit billion dollars a year.

00:02:49.280 --> 00:02:58.000
Yeah, and they're doing some kind of uh welcome all, welcome everybody at the factories or something, some kind of and and they moved from the Ren Center in Detroit to their own.

00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:02.400
Yeah, uh there's a thing, and not not to interject on that, that uh it's empty.

00:03:02.560 --> 00:03:02.960
It's empty.

00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:04.000
What's empty?

00:03:04.159 --> 00:03:04.960
The uh Ren Center.

00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:05.599
The Ren Center?

00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:09.919
Oh yeah, I think there's only a couple of there's a uh what do they have it where you get your passport and things?

00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:11.360
The uh passport center.

00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:14.319
Whatever.

00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:16.400
Anyways, but they've they only have two of those in there.

00:03:16.479 --> 00:03:17.759
You can get to the hotel, but that's it.

00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:19.120
Is the Starbucks still there?

00:03:19.199 --> 00:03:19.599
I don't know.

00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:20.319
Oh god.

00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:26.879
Some of the biggest first quarter declines occurred at smaller automakers, including those more dependent on import.

00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:39.599
Sales fell 14% at Mazda, 15% at Mitsubishi, at Subaru, volume dropped for an eighth straight month, down 24% in March, and 15% for the quarter.

00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:40.719
That's surprising.

00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:55.520
Uh and the reason I say that is because I just got finished driving as a test car, the all-new, all-electric Subaru, uh Uncharted, which is a new name for them.

00:03:55.840 --> 00:03:57.280
Are you doing a review this week on that?

00:03:57.599 --> 00:03:59.680
It's a very nice car that'll be next week.

00:04:00.639 --> 00:04:17.759
And uh, not that that's gonna bring them out of the doldrums, but you know, you can only carry uh the same cars so long with the same sheet metal, so you put some different paint on it, you can you know jack it up, make it look off-road, but it's still the same.

00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:21.279
No, not like that.

00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:22.319
No, we got one foot.

00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:24.319
We got one foot in the grave here.

00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:26.480
Lots of body putty.

00:04:26.639 --> 00:04:30.319
There are other signs that consumers are seeking more value in new car showrooms.

00:04:30.560 --> 00:04:40.720
Ford, after discontinuing one of its least expensive models, the Escape, hopes to entice shoppers into other utility vehicles, notably the Bronco Sport, which I've always liked.

00:04:40.879 --> 00:04:44.879
That set a first quarter sales record of 35,000, up five percent.

00:04:44.959 --> 00:04:50.959
Entry-level trims of the Maverick, Ranger and Bronco Sport rose 8.4% combined, Ford said.

00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:53.120
And Stellantes.

00:04:53.360 --> 00:04:53.600
Oh boy.

00:04:54.160 --> 00:04:54.480
Here we go.

00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:57.680
Appears to be finding its stride after years of market share losses.

00:04:57.839 --> 00:04:58.800
Automakers U.S.

00:04:58.879 --> 00:05:06.879
sales rose 4.1% in the first quarter on gains at Ram Jeep and Dodge, despite the fact that they stopped making the V8 engine.

00:05:07.120 --> 00:05:17.759
What moron would come into a company, make a bajillion dollars himself, and then oh, we're not gonna make the Challenger and uh the Charger anymore.

00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:23.199
Yes, they were our top sellers for years and still are, but we're not gonna make those anymore.

00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:24.639
We're gonna make it all electric.

00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:29.360
Go tell a hot rotter that he's gonna get into an electric, not.

00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:44.079
Jeez, talk about shrinking sales.

00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:50.399
Delanis received a boost from the redesigned Jeep Cherokee and the freshened Grand Wagoneer, which I understand that Sheila's driving.

00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:55.920
Ram sales jumped 20 percent, marking its first best quarter since 2023.

00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:59.680
Sales of 15 uh the 1500 pickup surging 27 percent.

00:05:59.920 --> 00:06:07.759
Company revived its 5.7 liter V8 engine on the 2026 Ram 1500 last year after dropping it from the BS years.

00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:13.600
Who who would do something like that?

00:06:13.759 --> 00:06:14.959
Not a car guy.

00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:18.879
And it's funny, they keep hiring CEOs that aren't car guys.

00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:20.480
Yeah, why would you do that?

00:06:20.639 --> 00:06:21.120
Yep.

00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:25.040
We had a CEO of our uh Mike is gonna get into brain surgery.

00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:25.439
Yep.

00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:27.920
Well, I can see I could see that.

00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:28.560
No.

00:06:29.360 --> 00:06:34.000
We had a CEO of uh company that came from Coca-Cola, he lasted less than a year.

00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:37.439
Yeah, yeah, but it but that's the thing at the CEO level.

00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:38.800
They think that they're so high.

00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:42.079
They don't need to know what we know how to run the business.

00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:47.120
They need to know how to tell other people, to tell other people, to tell other people, to tell other people how to run the business.

00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:48.240
Look how good he did over there.

00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:49.839
It doesn't mean you're gonna do good over here.

00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:50.319
Exactly.

00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:51.360
They're do-gooders.

00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:52.399
Yeah, there you go.

00:06:53.279 --> 00:06:54.160
That's all they are is do-gooders.

00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:56.720
Wannabeers, the wannabees run them out of town.

00:06:56.959 --> 00:06:57.519
Yeah.

00:06:57.759 --> 00:07:08.959
Um I I I I don't understand the philosophy of these folks that uh continually hire CEOs that know nothing about the business.

00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:12.240
I I'm I'm the stupid one.

00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:13.519
It makes no sense to me.

00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:14.240
Is it to you?

00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:16.240
We're the stupid ones because we're not doing it.

00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:23.600
Well, it's my my experience in the C in that world, it's not about what you know.

00:07:23.839 --> 00:07:31.439
Guys like us, yeah, I only know of one that ever started that made it top, and that was in Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:34.639
Both.

00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:35.040
Oh.

00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:41.839
But you know, other than him, all about what school you you went to, who you met, who you know that can get you in it.

00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:43.199
Yep, exactly.

00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:44.319
Same thing in politics.

00:07:44.560 --> 00:07:46.639
Yeah, that's that's pretty much what it amounts to.

00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:49.040
And that's what I told my grandkids.

00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:51.680
You want to know how to do something, go to the school that teaches you.

00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:58.879
You want to know how to move up in the world, go to UT or go to AM, someplace where you can make connections, because that's most important.

00:07:58.959 --> 00:07:59.600
Yeah.

00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:07.600
Well, same speaking of things that are important, everybody's kind of looking forward to summer vacation now that we're at Easter and making plans for that.

00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:12.560
And I know that you've got a special feature on uh national parks and summer road trips.

00:08:12.800 --> 00:08:13.920
Yeah, there was so much to do.

00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:15.040
I kind of split it up.

00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:25.360
So we're gonna take kind of the west side of the country uh this week, but when you start thinking about summer road trips to the national parks, then we're not really close to any of them, so you've got to make some plans.

00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:27.360
Well, we do have a national forest nearby.

00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:27.839
We do.

00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:38.320
Well, you do, but that's not quite where you're gonna find uh from a driving perspective, you're not gonna find a lot of switchbacks or long straightaways to to really get into some elevation changes and things.

00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:39.120
Enjoy your car.

00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:40.240
Enjoy the car.

00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:44.639
So trying to do both of them, these are a few places you might go to.

00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:49.200
So Glacier National Park, and it's called Going to the Sun Road.

00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:58.480
Oh, now it's it's got a lot of tight switchbacks, it's got a lot of narrow lanes, uh drop offs, the Glacier National Park.

00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:01.679
But the glaciers, yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:15.840
So if you really want to go out driving wise, you go to or go in the early morning when there's not a lot of people out there, the mountain air is a little more crisp, a lot of cooler, it's easier to drive the in a more spirited manner whenever you're doing that.

00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:18.799
And a couple of cars you might want to look at if you're out there.

00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:22.399
If you have an opportunity, maybe use something like a Mustang, a Ford Mustang.

00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:37.679
But of course, if you got the family with you, then you're going to be looking for something, maybe an SUV like the Explorer to uh carry the family with you to go see all the sites and all the uh valleys and the hills and everything that the family's gonna want to see.

00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:38.879
I knew that.

00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:49.759
The other one we want to talk about that would give you some uh a little bit of both worlds would be the Tyoga Pass in Yos Yosimite Yosemite, Yosemite.

00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:52.240
However, you want to do it.

00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:53.279
I'm trying to cover all the bases.

00:09:53.679 --> 00:09:54.000
There you go.

00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:55.679
It's Yosemite to me, National Park.

00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:57.279
We knew you were bilingual.

00:09:58.399 --> 00:10:03.759
Now, the thing about this is whenever you're going on this drive, you're gonna run into a lot of sweeping curves.

00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:09.120
It all gives you a nice steady pace to go through it, but you go up above 9,000 feet.

00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:12.879
And so your car is going to be running on some thin air in there.

00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:28.399
So whenever you start coming back down, you're doing going through the curves and along straights, you gotta kind of get into a rhythm, but you really don't want to get too spirited with it because uh your car is not gonna react like it does down at sea level or down even down here below sea level.

00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:29.440
There you go.

00:10:29.679 --> 00:10:31.840
Uh something you might want to look at for that.

00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:35.360
If you got a whole family with you, of course, something like a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:39.039
You still got plenty of power, you can still feel the road and enjoy that.

00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:44.480
But if you're just you, maybe your special friend or something, you might try and do the Honda Civic.

00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:46.879
Get a little more spirited driving going.

00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:48.159
A little bit more oof.

00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:56.799
Then uh the other one would be the Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

00:10:58.320 --> 00:11:03.519
So this is kind of the this is actually the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:03.759
Wow.

00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:06.399
So you got long climbs, steep descents.

00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:11.759
You can center, you can got a lot of wide open views above the tree line, so you can see a lot of place.

00:11:11.919 --> 00:11:16.159
But here's the problem with this one when you're coming downhill, you got to worry about your brakes.

00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:21.039
You got to do some brake management because you don't want your brakes to overheat in the steep descent.

00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:39.279
Um, and then you've got engine cooling you're gonna have to worry about if you're up there in the summer, even though it's up high, the elevation is a little cooler, but the engines really got to work a lot harder when they go through all these sweeping curves and above the tree line, and you're gonna see all the horizon that's like way over there, endlessly away.

00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:55.120
So uh something you might drive there, maybe if you get a chance, maybe one of the BMW 3 series, uh a Subaru has got some all-wheel drive vehicles that could work really well, or you might try the Miata MX5, which would be what I would think would be really fun if you don't have the kids with you.

00:11:55.440 --> 00:11:55.600
Of course.

00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:58.240
So you get to kind of look at what you're in.

00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:19.440
So when you go to these national parks and you start thinking about them as destinations, obviously you know you may want to take the kids, you got a lot of scenics uh scenes to drive through for the elevation, the surface, surface scenery that you can see and stop and make some changes and uh get the family involved, or you can enjoy the drive a little bit more depending on what you're driving.

00:12:19.679 --> 00:12:22.879
So do some planning uh to go to the national parks for this summer.

00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:23.679
There you go.

00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:24.799
Thank you, Mike.

00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:26.000
All right.

00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.639
Um let me let me look at the time.

00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:35.600
I have uh thinking then that it's maybe time to take a break.

00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:36.320
Okay.

00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:37.519
Are you okay with that?

00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.000
I'm fine.

00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:40.480
Anybody else is asking to take a poll?

00:12:40.720 --> 00:12:41.519
Take a poll.

00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:44.000
You know, there's more people here than I thought.

00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:44.879
They're rolling in.

00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:45.759
Yeah, they are still rolling.

00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.240
Not bad, a little overcast.

00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:49.919
It's a little humid, humid.

00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:51.360
But it's it's cool.

00:12:51.600 --> 00:12:53.200
It's nice and cool without being cold.

00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:54.320
It's hot like us.

00:12:54.639 --> 00:12:54.960
Hot.

00:12:55.279 --> 00:12:57.039
The humidity is 150%.

00:12:57.679 --> 00:13:00.559
But um, you know, if you're good with that, I'm good with it.

00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:02.879
Uh is my having a bad hair day.

00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:04.399
I truly am.

00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:05.120
Are you?

00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:05.440
Yeah.

00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:07.600
Both of them are like going crazy.

00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:10.320
Coming up.

00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:17.039
Jeff has the cruise in and events calendars, and I'll have the stories making autumn's headlines this week, hopefully.

00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:19.120
So we invite you to stay with us.

00:13:19.919 --> 00:13:32.240
By the way, we're coming to you today from Tailpipes and Tacos, the cruise in at the Lupito, Texas, near the intersection of I-10, the CD Freeway, and 99, the Grand Park.

00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:33.759
Far come on by.

00:13:33.919 --> 00:13:40.000
We'll be here till eleven o'clock this morning, and the restaurant opens at 11, so you can go in and get yourself some really fine.

00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:41.120
And they're good.

00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:41.919
I had one.

00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.399
All right.

00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.600
We've got all that coming up.

00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:48.000
We hope you'll stay with us here on the Inwheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.919
We continue after this quick break.

00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.840
The Easter Bunny's coming.

00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:59.759
To the tailpipes and tacos cruise in at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katie, April 4th, 8 to 11 a.m.

00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:01.360
And you're invited to.

00:14:01.679 --> 00:14:03.039
Bring the kids and grandkids.

00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:05.360
It's a cruise-in like you've never attended before.

00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:09.279
With the donation to Shirley's Kids, you'll get a free Loopy Tortilla breakfast taco.

00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:15.360
There'll be coffee and adult beverages, plus chili pepper trophies for the best hot rod, best modern classic, and best classic.

00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:17.279
There's no entry fee and no registration.

00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:19.519
Just bring your ride and the kids.

00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:26.559
Best bunnies aren't allowed, but the Easter bunny will be there, and he'll be full of joy to help make this tailpipes and tacos a very special one.

00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:28.080
Photo opportunities abound.

00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:34.159
The NRL Time Car Talk Show will be streaming around the globe, and you can be selected to tell your car story to a global audience.

00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:39.039
It's the Tail Pipes and Tacos Cruise and Easter edition, Saturday, April 4th, 8 to 11 a.m.

00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:45.840
at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katy, located on 99 the Grand Parkway, just south of I10, the Katy Freeway in Katy.

00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:46.639
Make plans now.

00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:49.200
Loopy Tortilla is pretty good.

00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:55.840
Apple or Android in Wheel Time podcasts can be found everywhere, on the stream and through downloads.

00:14:56.000 --> 00:15:01.440
Whether you're on the road or at home and Jones in for a different kind of car talk show, give In Wheel Time a try.

00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:11.360
Honest new car reviews, fun, informative interviews with real car people, weekly automotive news, features like Jeff's car culture and Mike's driving destinations, all on In Wheel Time.

00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:17.279
Check us out on Sirius XM Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or while you're shopping on Amazon through Amazon Music.

00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:17.759
Mm-hmm.

00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:21.440
InWheel Time.com has a list, and we know you love lists.

00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:24.559
Welcome back to the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:31.200
We're coming to you live today from the Lupitourtia Tex Mex in Katy for tailpipes and tacos.

00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:33.279
And we'll be here till 11.

00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:34.240
Hope you'll stop by.

00:15:34.320 --> 00:15:39.120
I've got a nice turnout here for the cruise in, all sorts of cars, lots of fun stuff going on.

00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:40.720
The Easter Bunny is here.

00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:43.519
We've got a display of all the fine pedal cars.

00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.399
Did you see the pedal cars?

00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:45.120
I did.

00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:45.440
I did.

00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.799
They're getting loaded in.

00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:49.600
Sheila's taking them out of some of them out of her car.

00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:52.000
And look what you have in front of her in front of you.

00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:54.639
So this is the new Wally.

00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:56.960
Yeah, Stan Talk well, the 50th anniversary Wally.

00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:58.480
That's a special edition for that year.

00:15:58.879 --> 00:15:59.440
That's what I say.

00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.320
It's the new Wally.

00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:02.159
Yeah, 75 years.

00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.440
75 years, I apologize.

00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:04.720
The Wally Park.

00:16:04.799 --> 00:16:09.279
So it's kind of a silver kind of uh color.

00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:09.679
Yeah.

00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.039
It's not silver.

00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:15.120
It's not it's not gold like the other one.

00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:15.519
Right.

00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:18.240
And this is a 2026 class winner.

00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:20.799
No problem raceway Belrose, Louisiana.

00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:22.480
And it's a diamond that he's standing on.

00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:23.440
Yes, he's standing on.

00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.240
Wally Park.

00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:26.240
So um it's very nice.

00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:26.879
I like it.

00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:27.679
It's heavy too.

00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.279
Would you hold it?

00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.639
Feel how heavy that is.

00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.679
Oh, yeah, that's heavy.

00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:36.159
I want to thank the Academy and everyone that's not in the Academy.

00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:36.559
Okay.

00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:37.519
Appreciate the award.

00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:38.080
Very nice.

00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:39.519
So we'll put that right there.

00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:42.960
This is the only time that we get to see these kinds of things.

00:16:43.279 --> 00:16:46.879
So we have to bring the show out here for it all to be displayed.

00:16:47.679 --> 00:16:48.159
All right.

00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:55.919
Um be sure and join us for our regular live show every Saturday from 10 to noon on Facebook, YouTube, and in real time.com.

00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.200
Podcasts everywhere.

00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.480
Thanks for joining us today.

00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:00.879
Time now for Jeff's cruise in and events.

00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.240
Oh yeah, let me get that.

00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.600
I knew I had something to do here today.

00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:04.240
That's all right.

00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:04.799
There you go.

00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:08.160
Okay, well, next Saturday, uh which we always do a week ahead of time.

00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:11.039
This one, I'm sure a shout out to our folks down south from us.

00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:15.440
Uh the Corpus Christi Car Show is going April 11th, starts at 10 a.m.

00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.279
It's at 247 Houston.

00:17:17.599 --> 00:17:17.839
Corpus.

00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:21.599
The car show will take place at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi.

00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:23.200
Uh again, it starts at 10.

00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:27.440
The event invites car enthusiasts to display vehicles ranging from classics to modern.

00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:31.440
The first 50 entries will receive a free car show t-shirt.

00:17:31.759 --> 00:17:35.519
Uh everybody that registers, uh, it benefits the bikes for kids in Corpus Christi.

00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:36.880
So go on out there and get that.

00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:37.839
Hilliard.

00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:46.640
You know, uh, I believe that was uh that was the name of uh the character that Robin Williams played in Mrs.

00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:47.359
Dowdfire.

00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.640
Okay, that's that's good to know.

00:17:48.880 --> 00:17:49.039
Mr.

00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:49.359
Hilliard.

00:17:49.839 --> 00:17:50.000
Okay.

00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:54.480
And then we got West Temple Motors and Monthly Cruise In.

00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.839
And this is in where?

00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.640
George would know.

00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.759
It's in Temple, Texas.

00:17:57.839 --> 00:18:00.319
It's 7070 Stone Hollow Drive.

00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.599
Goes from 5 p.m.

00:18:01.759 --> 00:18:02.480
to 10 p.m.

00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:10.559
Uh it's at the Bold Republic Brewing for laid back evening of laid-back uh evening of engines, good vibes, and great beer.

00:18:10.720 --> 00:18:12.079
Uh all vehicles are welcome.

00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:14.880
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, if it's got wheels, bring it.

00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:16.000
Uh George will be out there.

00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:17.119
I hope George will be out there.

00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.240
He enjoys those things.

00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:24.480
Whether you're a gearhead or just appreciate good conversation about classic rides, custom bills, your daily driver, this is the spot.

00:18:24.559 --> 00:18:26.480
There's no entry fee, there's no judging.

00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.440
So just go on out of the way.

00:18:28.160 --> 00:18:28.799
We don't judge here.

00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.920
And judge out there.

00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.759
We judge out there, that's right, the cars.

00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:34.720
Then you got the Austin Monthly Lunch Meet.

00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:37.599
This is at 7525 Burnett Road in Austin.

00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:38.960
It goes from 1030 a.m.

00:18:39.279 --> 00:18:40.000
to 2 p.m.

00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:43.920
This is basically uh well it's at the top-notch hamburgers in Austin, Texas.

00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:44.799
Next Saturday.

00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:45.599
Next Saturday.

00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:50.400
It welcomes all fiat and Italian car enthusiasts, and the activities begin at 10.30.

00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:51.279
All things Italian.

00:18:51.599 --> 00:18:57.119
All things Italian and uh Yeah, you go out there and get a meatball or something.

00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:02.079
Uh casual car discussions, community hangout, and classic uh classic drive-in atmosphere.

00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:04.640
The organizers invite attendees to bring classics.

00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:10.880
So uh Top Notch is a well-known Austin drive-in, recognized for its retro style and casual setting.

00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:14.079
Then next Sunday, uh Crazy Train Car Meets.

00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:15.359
Mike, you'll like this one.

00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.400
It's in Magnolia.

00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:19.519
It's a 38925 FM 1774.

00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:20.720
Uh goes from 3 p.m.

00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:23.039
to 7 p.m., so it's an evening evening cruise.

00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.720
Wasn't that a uh crazy train?

00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:27.920
Wasn't that a rock and roll song?

00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:29.519
Yeah, that was uh Ozzy Osborne.

00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.319
Yeah, Ozzy.

00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:30.960
Crazy work.

00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:37.759
The event encourages respectful behavior and uh request attendees to refrain from bringing outside food order.

00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:38.799
Don't bring Ozzy then.

00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:39.839
Yeah, don't bring Ozzy.

00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:44.079
Uh Kingwood, the last one we got for next Sunday is the Kingwood Family Dentistry.

00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:45.359
It's a spring car show.

00:19:45.440 --> 00:19:49.440
It's at 2876 West Town Center in Kingwood, Texas.

00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:52.480
Uh the Kingwood Family Dentistry will be held that day.

00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:58.880
The event features uh display of more than a hundred vehicles, ranging from cars over a hundred years old to modern vehicles.

00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.359
And you know what?

00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:02.400
They're giving away as trophies, they've got a little plaque.

00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.400
Woo-hoo!

00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:06.559
I get it.

00:20:06.880 --> 00:20:10.400
Thinking, well, yeah, they've got all dentals.

00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:12.720
I'll drill down on that next time.

00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:13.839
Please do.

00:20:16.079 --> 00:20:16.400
Okay.

00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:20.960
Did the wheels come off of this extra early?

00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:22.000
805.

00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:25.279
No, I think it came off about six, didn't it?

00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:26.079
Yeah.

00:20:27.599 --> 00:20:28.160
All right.

00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:34.000
Um, I have some stories to tell you about, um, and that would be news stories.

00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:37.599
Have you heard about the Chinese?

00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.119
Heard about them?

00:20:39.680 --> 00:20:43.200
You know, they make everything, they make pretty much everything that we buy.

00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:43.839
Everything.

00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:45.119
Well, guess what?

00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:51.119
We really haven't had an influx of Chinese cars yet.

00:20:51.920 --> 00:20:53.200
They're coming.

00:20:54.720 --> 00:21:04.319
More than half of China's car dealerships, of which there are a lot, since they are the number one consumer of cars.

00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.759
Did you know that?

00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:16.720
More than half of China's car dealerships became unprofitable last year amid the market's cutthroat price war going on over there and sliding domestic sales, kind of like here.

00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:21.920
Some 56% of dealerships booked losses in 2025.

00:21:22.319 --> 00:21:28.480
Up 42% the year before, the China Automobile Dealers Association reported March 18th.

00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:40.880
China's ongoing new car price war further undermined retailer financial results as vehicle sales fall in the world's biggest auto market, more so than Houston.

00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:48.400
Uh intensifying competition forced 82% of dealerships to retail new cars at prices below wholesale.

00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:50.000
How do you make money doing that?

00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:51.440
Yeah, below wholesale.

00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:53.039
I don't know, but I'll tell you what.

00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:55.599
The Chinese are coming.

00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:58.240
And have you seen have you seen a Chinese car?

00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:06.400
They are really nice.

00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:09.680
And it's quite surprising on one hand.

00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:11.839
But on the other hand, it's not surprising.

00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:18.640
I mean, the Chinese can make some real junk, pens, pencils, stuff like that.

00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:26.960
When it comes to high-end pens and pencils, it's not like I've got one.

00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.920
I used to have one.

00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:30.960
I lost it.

00:22:31.119 --> 00:22:31.920
Oh no.

00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:34.480
Lindsay Automotive Group.

00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:37.759
Okay, you attorneys out there and automobile dealerships.

00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:48.559
Lindsay Automotive Group agreed to pay a$3.1 million penalty in what potentially could be more than$75 million in restitution.

00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:48.960
Wow.

00:22:49.279 --> 00:23:02.400
Two settle allegations including tacking unadvertised charges onto vehicles it sold and deception about add-ons, such as service contract, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:20.480
Lindsay Auto misled consumers by advertising false low car prices and adding mandatory fees and other charges during the car buying process, according to Christopher Muffridge, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:24.400
This has been a story that I've been telling you about now for about the past three or four weeks.

00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:36.880
Lindsay Automotive and three people named as individual defendants did not admit or deny any wrongdoing under the terms of the settlement reached with the Maryland Attorney General's office and FTC and FTC, which to get case.

00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:39.279
This automotive group is going down.

00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:39.920
Yeah.

00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:52.079
Because uh there's a new there's a new sheriff in town, and if a car dealership advertises the price, now I'm not talking about taxes.

00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:59.680
You go to the store, the shirt price is 1099, you know that your taxes are going to be added onto that.

00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:02.480
So that's been left alone.

00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:12.960
But anything else, the window tent, or how about that surcharges on your financing that we do?

00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.839
Nay, nay, none of that.

00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:20.319
And so these guys got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:23.519
And uh they're not going to be the only ones.

00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:32.079
So if you're a car dealer, and I know that we have car dealers that listen to this show, uh, you might want to check to make sure that you are all legal and above board.

00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:34.079
I think the ones that listen to this show are.

00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:35.599
They're all legal and above board.

00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:37.839
I with Houston Auto Dealers, I would say yes.

00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:38.640
Absolutely.

00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:41.759
I mean you started out with the Chinese Auto Dealer Association.

00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:43.920
I don't is there such a thing?

00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:46.240
I not that I've heard of yet.

00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:50.000
So when you're in the dealership too long, they change you, you've been here too long, you gotta go.

00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:55.920
Well, should I forget should I continue to do that story?

00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:56.319
Sure.

00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:56.799
All right.

00:24:57.519 --> 00:25:00.480
I just want to make sure that I don't get uh carried on here.

00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:07.200
Uh the settlement involves restitution for customers who bought vehicles between April 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2025.

00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:15.119
Lindsay Automotive must pay them the difference between the advertised price and the price they actually paid, or the cost for any add-on products or services.

00:25:15.359 --> 00:25:19.839
I did not agree to purchase uh or thought would be required.

00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:37.759
The most recent version of the complaint by the two agencies filed in July alleged Lindsay advertised one price but charged customers more in reality, incorporated rebates into its advertised prices, and falsely called advertised prices contingent on financing through the dealership.

00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:54.240
More than 88% of its customers in a random sample of deals from April 2020 to March of 2023 paid more than the price Lindsay advertised on car gurus and cars commerce and complaint the complaint said.

00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:56.960
Um did you want me to not do this?

00:25:57.039 --> 00:26:01.680
Or uh we're gonna figure out all of that.

00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:10.160
But anyway, it's a big mess, and I'm sure that uh they are going to finally straighten all that stuff out so you don't get ripped off.

00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:10.720
All right.

00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:17.359
Uh we have the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show coming to you from the Loopy Tortilla Tex Mex and Tailpipes and Tacos.

00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:20.319
It's coming up after a quick break, and we'd love to hear from you anytime.

00:26:20.400 --> 00:26:23.759
Shoot us an email, the address here below at inwheeltime.com.

00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:25.440
We'll be right back after this.

00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:28.079
You own a car you love.

00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:30.559
Well, why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it?

00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:37.039
Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts.

00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:38.799
We promise you'll be impressed.

00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:53.440
Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tint, or new windshield protection called Exoshield, Gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go.

00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:54.720
Curbed your wheels?

00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:56.960
Instead of buying new, why not have them repaired?

00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:59.440
How about a professionally installed radar detector?

00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:01.519
Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too.

00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:07.359
Get a peek inside the shop and look at the services offered by getting online and heading to gcautoshield.com.

00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:14.559
Better yet, stop by their facility at 11275 South Sam Houston Tollway, just south of the Southwest Freeway, and get a personal tour.

00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:18.240
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your place to go for all things exterior.

00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:24.559
Call them today, 832-930-5655 or gcautoshield.com.

00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:27.519
Gift giving should be meaningful, and we have an idea.

00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:31.359
A hand-painted custom illustration of your car from one of the nation's leading artists.

00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:34.160
You've seen his work in car shows and on display of the heavy hideout.

00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:38.400
Now you can have an illustration or car poster customized for you, a friend or loved one.

00:27:38.559 --> 00:27:42.880
Bill Sites is a real car guy that speaks the language and will be happy to guide you through the process.

00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:49.440
No matter what today, birthday, anniversary, or any day, an autographics custom illustration adds an extra touch of class to any home.

00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:52.720
Call Bill today, 832-922-0963.

00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:55.200
That's 832-922-0963.

00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:59.119
That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show.

00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:09.119
I'm Don Armstrong, inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and our InWheeltime.com website.

00:28:09.279 --> 00:28:17.759
Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartPodcast, Podcast Addict, TuneIn, Pandora, and Amazon Music.

00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:20.640
Keep listening, and we'll see you soon.